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Operating across the Bronx from Riverdale to a major transit hub near the Manhattan border, the Bx19 is one of the busiest crosstown bus lines in New York City. Whether you're commuting to a local university, transferring to the subway, or navigating cross-borough traffic, understanding how this route functions can save you significant time.
The Bx19 runs primarily crosstown and north-south, connecting the west Bronx neighborhoods of Riverdale and Kingsbridge down through Fordham Road, Tremont, and Mott Haven, terminating near the 149th Street-Grand Concourse station. Unlike many north-south avenues serviced by the subway, this corridor relies heavily on surface transit to move thousands of daily riders across dense urban blocks.
Route Overview and Key Terminals
The Bx19 covers roughly 9 miles of varied Bronx terrain, linking major commercial corridors, hospital complexes, and educational institutions.
- Western Terminal: Originates near West 254th Street and Henry Hudson Parkway in Riverdale, meandering through residential blocks before joining major thoroughfares.
- Fordham Road Corridor: Serves as the primary commercial heartbeat of the route, intersecting with the Grand Concourse and Fordham Plaza.
- Southern Terminal: Terminates at East 149th Street and Grand Concourse in Mott Haven, providing direct transfers to the 2, 4, and 5 subway lines.
Operating 24 hours a day, the line offers high frequency during peak morning and evening rush hours, though headway bunching remains a frequent challenge during daytime gridlock on Fordham Road.
Major Neighborhoods and Stops Along the Line
The Bx19 passes through several distinct Bronx neighborhoods, each offering unique transit dynamics and destinations.
Riverdale and Kingsbridge
Starting in the northwestern corner of the Bronx, the route serves quiet residential streets, private schools, and apartment complexes near the Hudson River before dipping southeast toward Broadway. Passengers here often use the bus to connect to the 1 subway line at West 231st Street or local commercial hubs.
Fordham Road and University Heights
As the bus enters the Fordham area, passenger volume spikes dramatically. This stretch intersects with Fordham University, Monroe College, and the bustling retail strip surrounding Fordham Plaza. Commuters frequently transfer here to the Bx12 Select Bus Service, Metro-North Railroad, and multiple subway lines.
Belmont and East Tremont
Moving further south, the Bx19 cuts through Belmont—home to Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's authentic Little Italy—and crosses into East Tremont. This area generates heavy local ridership heading toward major medical facilities like St. Barnabas Hospital.
Mott Haven and the Hub
The southern terminus places riders directly at "The Hub" around 149th Street and Third Avenue, a historic retail and transit nexus. Here, connections to the 2, 5, and 6 trains allow seamless travel into Manhattan.
Navigating Fares, Transfers, and Payment
Riding the Bx19 requires familiarity with standard MTA fare rules and modern payment technologies.
- Ony/OMNY Integration: You can tap your contactless credit card, smartphone wallet, or OMNY card at any of the bus's onboard card readers.
- MetroCard Acceptance: Traditional MetroCards are still accepted, though the system continues its transition toward full contactless adoption.
- Free Transfers: Using OMNY or a MetroCard grants a free transfer within two hours to connecting local buses or the subway system, provided you don't repeat the exact same bus route in the same direction.
According to MTA service guidelines, boarding via all-door boarding where available helps speed up dwell times, though local buses like the Bx19 primarily rely on front-door boarding unless designated Select Bus Service.
Common Commuter Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating Bronx crosstown buses comes with specific learning curves. Avoid these frequent pitfalls to keep your trip smooth:
- Underestimating Fordham Road Gridlock: Traffic congestion between Grand Concourse and Jerome Avenue can delay buses significantly during peak shopping hours. If you're on a tight schedule, build in an extra 15 minutes.
- Ignoring Real-Time Tracking Apps: Relying solely on printed schedules will lead to frustration. Use apps like MTA Bus Time or third-party transit trackers to monitor live vehicle locations.
- Confusing Directional Signage: Because the Bx19 loops and shifts orientation, always check the digital destination sign on the front of the bus (Mott Haven vs. Riverdale) before stepping on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bx19 run 24 hours a day?
Yes, the Bx19 provides round-the-clock service, though frequencies drop significantly during late-night hours between midnight and 5:00 AM.
How does the Bx19 connect to the subway?
The route intersects with multiple subway lines, most notably the 1 train in the west, the B and D trains at Fordham Road, and the 2, 4, and 5 trains at its southern terminal near 149th Street-Grand Concourse.
Is the Bx19 a Select Bus Service (SBS) route?
No, the Bx19 operates as a standard local bus route, meaning it makes all local stops and generally requires front-door boarding for fare payment.
What is the best way to track the Bx19 in real time?
You can track live arrivals using the official MTA Bus Time website or transit navigation tools like Google Maps and Transit App.
